Fickling, 30, could in fact just as easily be identified as a young man, walking through the sanctuary doors, looking for direction. But the well-spoken, self-described progressive minister is on the job at Welland's Central United Church.

He's also not afraid to speak off the cuff.

"One of the biggest fears I have is that people will think 'He's young, so he'll bring in young people," said Fickling, who officially took the post at the church in July. "It doesn't really matter who's up front, as long as people are comfortable in your sanctuary.

"People aren't stupid. They don't want to be tricked into coming to church."

Fickling was previously a minister in the small southern Manitoba community of Melita, his first post after being ordained in 2005. He earned his Masters of Divinity from Emmanuel College in Toronto and has a bachelors degree in creative writing from York University.

He worked in Melita while his wife, Jennifer Carter, studied for her masters in voice. But the development of the couple's family brought the Strathroy native closer to home.

"We had a little guy born in April and we thought it was time to come home," said Fickling. "We wanted to come back to trees, rocks and water. There's not much of that out there."

And Fickling has really enjoyed his return to Ontario, visiting different areas of the diverse Niagara region and enjoying Welland's natural and recreational opportunities, including the old canal and the Welland River.

He also said he is making a deep connection with Central United's congregation, which has averaged about 100 parishioners throughout the summer, and can't wait to be a part of some of the church's community outreach programs this fall.

"It's been really nice, really friendly," he said. "Both the church and the community."

Fickling recalls his late teenage years, when he "just sort of felt a calling," and knew he wanted to be a minister. The Strathroy United Church was a big part of his family's life as he grew up, and it's a decision he remembers with pride.

"The best part about the ministry is being able to connect to people, journey with them through the good times and the bad," said Fickling.

But Fickling isn't afraid to sermon full-speed ahead.

"Part of the bonuses I bring is fairly recent training.

"We're not ones to go and sit at a one-hour lecture," he continued. "We're used to hearing commercials every seven minutes."

But only the reverend himself can say how sure-footed he is when leading a congregation through the 21st century.

"I'm not afraid of change one bit," said Fickling.